Dan DaranciangQ: What’s the weather like in St. Louis?
“In chronological order from early fall to early summer: hot and wet, warm and nice, cold and wet, really cold and dry, slightly warmer and wet, and then really, really nice, then hot and wet. Generally, it’s not too bad.”
-Sarah Klein, Scene Editor
“Imagine living in someone’s armpit, alongside other people, most of whom coincidentally also smell like armpits. And sometimes it rains.”
-Joshua Trein, Columnist
“The weather in St. Louis is crazy unpredictable. I don’t think I’ve ever used an umbrella so much in my entire life (of course, I do live in the desert). To be completely prepared, always travel with an umbrella, a jacket, or sweatshirt of some sort, tennis shoes, and layered clothing so you can adjust to whatever temperature it decides to be.”
-Erin Fults, Staff Reporter
Q: Do people really say “herre” and “therre” like Nelly and Chingy?
“Some do, but I’d say a lot of them are people from out of state who are trying too hard to sound like Nelly and Chingy.”
-Kristin McGrath, Scene Editor
“Some people say that. I get the feeling that it’s getting a little old, though.”
-Margaret Bauer, Editor in Chief
Q: What’s the underage nightlife like?
“As far as I know, the underage nightlife mainly consists of Wash. U. parties or activities that don’t necessarily involve drinking, like concerts.”
-Sarah Klein
“The underage nightlife is much like the over-age nightlife, in that either way you won’t remember how you ended up covered in your own vomit arguing with EST that, yes, you can damn well stop anytime you want.”
-Joshua Trein
Q: What are some places to avoid?
“You know when you see the sign that says, “Last Missouri Exit” fly by, and curse because you’re headed over the bridge to East St. Louis? Yeah. That’s where you don’t want to go.”
-Margaret Bauer
“Just keep driving down Delmar for a little bit and you’ll see…it’s pretty self-explanatory. My friend was looking for a place where she could take meditation classes, and when she found one on the Loop, she called them up. They told her it was probably not what she was looking for, because this particular place specialized in criminal rehabilitation.”
-Allie Wieczorec, Staff Reporter
Q: Where should I take my parents (and their wallets) while they’re in town?
“Go to Target, and get stocked up on all the stuff you could ever need for your room. Same goes for the new Trader Joe’s in Brentwood and Whole Foods. They’re a schlep to get to on the shuttle; much more accessible with the parents’ car and wallet.”
-Sarah Kliff, Senior News Editor
“Go on www.saucecafe.com and find a restaurant that serves what you’re craving. There are tons of nice restaurants in St. Louis, and with this website you can read many menus and reviews, and often check out pics of the decor and food. The Clayton area, in particular, is a great place to go to eat.”
-Sarah Ulrey, Former Student Life Staff, Class of 2005
Q: What can I do for free?
“SLAM, the Zoo, anywhere in Forest Park, any number of art galleries, the Arch, the Museum at the Arch…”
-Oliver Hulland, Photo Editor
“Go people-watching on the Loop! It’s more fascinating than the Forest Park Zoo (which is also free, by the way).”
-Kristin McGrath
“Getting mugged is a favorite of mine, as long as you don’t carry anything of value. If that’s a little too exciting, you can always drive 64/40 during rush hour and laugh at the pathetically slow St. Louis drivers.”
-Aaron Seligman, Former Student Life Staff, Class of 2005
Q: Does St. Louis have a good concert scene?
“St. Louis doesn’t get as many concerts as larger cities, but two venues you should check out are the Creepy Crawl and the Gargoyle. The Creepy Crawl is easy to get to by MetroLink and typically hosts smaller indie rock concerts as well as some local music. The Gargoyle is right on campus, downstairs in Mallinckrodt, and brings really great bands to campus.”
-Sarah Kliff
“Since freshman year, I’ve seen Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Our Lady Peace, and Ben Kweller, among a number of others-you decide.”
-Sarah Baicker, Senior Scene Editor
Q: Does St. Louis feel like a big city?
“Depends on where you’re from. If you’re one of those annoying ‘I’m from THE city’ people, then no. But for the rest of us normal folks, it’s plenty big.”
-Aaron Seligman
“No. Someone once said, ‘It’s like New York, except without the culture.’ Or size. Or good food. Or…”
-David Brody, Senior Photo Editor
Q: What are some good places to go on a date?
“Taking someone to the Botanical Gardens for a little picnic is very romantic. You could do the same thing in Forest Park. Or you could paddle boat and lounge by the fountains at the foot of Art Hill. There are also some great wineries out west of the city on Highway 94. But you have to be 21, so just store that tip away for later or for when you have your fake.”
-Sarah Ulrey
“Moolah Temple, by Saint Louis University. It’s got all those traditional first date destinations (movie, bowling, and dinner) all in one building!”
-Kristin McGrath
Q: What makes the Midwest different from the coasts?
“People here don’t know what you mean when you say ‘The City.'”
-Oliver Hulland
“There is no ocean. For more information, contact someone in the Earth and Planetary Sciences department.”
-David Brody
“As you’ll soon realize, there’s a large Midwestern population that still refers to soda as ‘pop.'”
-Sarah Baicker
Q: What’s your favorite thing about St. Louis?
“Wash. U.! And the Loop. It’s really nice and very city-like. I love the musicians playing jazz in the streets.”
-Sarah Klein
“Driving down Wydown Boulevard in the spring or fall with the windows down. It’s absolutely beautiful.”
-Sarah Baicker
Q: What’s your least favorite thing about St. Louis?
“It’s 3-5 hours away from the next city, and it can get claustrophobic.”
-Oliver Hulland
“The Cardinals.”
-Allie Wieczorec
“People who say ‘Worshington’ instead of Washington.”
-Aaron Seligman
Q: What makes St. Louis unique?
“It’s called ‘Bread Co.,’ not Panera.”
-Kristin McGrath
“We’re not northern or southern, nor eastern or western. That might seem obvious, geographically speaking-but the culture really doesn’t adhere to a region, either. It’s one of the most liberal cities in Missouri, a state that votes ‘red.’ It’s composed of a lot of contradictions.”
-Margaret Bauer